Magnetic head having first, second and third arrays of writers

ABSTRACT

A magnetic head in one embodiment includes a first array of writers interleaved with readers; a second array of writers interleaved with readers, the writers of the first array being generally aligned with the writers of the second array in a direction of media travel relative thereto, the readers of the first array being generally aligned with the readers of the second array in a direction of media travel relative thereto; and a third array of writers interleaved with readers, the third array being positioned between the first and second arrays, the writers of the third array being generally aligned with the readers of the first and second arrays in a direction of media travel relative thereto, the readers of the third array being generally aligned with the writers of the first and second arrays in a direction of media travel relative thereto. Other embodiments are also presented.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to data storage systems, and moreparticularly, this invention relates to a magnetic head having spatiallyseparated arrays of writers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In magnetic storage systems, data is commonly read from and written ontomagnetic recording media utilizing magnetic transducers. Data is writtenon the magnetic recording media by moving a magnetic recordingtransducer to a position over the media where the data is to be stored.The magnetic recording transducer then generates a magnetic field, whichencodes the data into the magnetic media. Data is read from the media bysimilarly positioning the magnetic read transducer and then sensing themagnetic field of the magnetic media. Read and write operations may beindependently synchronized with the movement of the media to ensure thatthe data can be read from and written to the desired location on themedia.

An important and continuing goal in the data storage industry is that ofincreasing the density of data stored on a medium. For tape storagesystems, that goal has lead to increasing the track density on recordingtape, and decreasing the thickness of the magnetic tape medium. However,the development of small footprint, higher performance tape drivesystems has created various problems in the design of a tape headassembly for use in such systems.

When data is written to a tape, the span of data written is the span ofthe head elements. However, any expansion and contraction of the tapeprior to reading results is similarly an expansion or contraction of thespace between data tracks and, in turn, the span of written data. Forinstance, the width of the tape is known to change with changes intemperature (e.g. thermal expansion) and humidity (e.g. hygroscopicexpansion). In addition, aging of the tape media tends to also changedimensions of the tape over time, adding to these effects for the casesof older tapes used for archiving data. Present tapes typically expandand contract by approximately 1 part in 1000, or 0.1%.

For future generations of tape heads, minimizing the spacing betweenconcurrently written tracks is desirable for the purpose reducing thehydroscopic and thermal effects of the tape. However, as writers getspaced closer together, signal crossover between writers may occur. Thiscrossover significantly degrades the writing performance. As a result,how closely the writers may be spaced is dependent upon providingsufficient spacing therebetween to minimize such crossover.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A magnetic head in one embodiment includes a first array of writersinterleaved with readers; a second array of writers interleaved withreaders, the writers of the first array being generally aligned with thewriters of the second array in a direction of media travel relativethereto, the readers of the first array being generally aligned with thereaders of the second array in a direction of media travel relativethereto; and a third array of writers interleaved with readers, thethird array being positioned between the first the second arrays, thewriters of the third array being generally aligned with the readers ofthe first and second arrays in a direction of media travel relativethereto, the readers of the third array being generally aligned with thewriters of the first and second arrays in a direction of media travelrelative thereto.

A magnetic head in another embodiment includes a first array ofpiggybacked readers and writers interleaved with readers; a second arrayof piggybacked readers and writers interleaved with readers, the writersof the first array being generally aligned with the writers of thesecond array in a direction of media travel relative thereto, thereaders of the first array being generally aligned with the readers ofthe second array in a direction of media travel relative thereto; and athird array of writers, the third array being positioned between thefirst and second arrays, the writers of the third array being generallyaligned with some of the readers of the first and second arrays in adirection of media travel relative thereto.

A magnetic head in yet another embodiment includes a first outer arrayof writers; a second outer array of writers; a first inner array ofwriters positioned between the first and second outer arrays; a secondinner array of writers positioned between the first inner array and thesecond outer array; and an array of readers, at least some of thereaders being generally aligned with the writers of the first and secondouter arrays in a direction of media travel relative thereto, whereinthe writers of the first inner array are misaligned with the writers ofthe first outer array relative to the direction of media travel.

Other aspects and embodiments of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description, which, when taken inconjunction with the drawings, illustrate by way of example theprinciples of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the presentinvention, as well as the preferred mode of use, reference should bemade to the following detailed description read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a simplified tape drive systemaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 2A illustrates a flat-lapped bi-directional, two-module magnetictape head which may be implemented in the context of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2B a partial tape bearing surface view of a magnetic tape head.

FIG. 3A is a partial tape bearing surface view of a magnetic headpresented as a comparative example.

FIG. 3B is a partial tape bearing surface view of a magnetic headaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3C is a partial tape bearing surface view of a magnetic headaccording to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3D is a partial tape bearing surface view of a magnetic headaccording to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a magnetic head according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a magnetic head according to one embodiment of thepresent invention including outriggers formed on outer modules.

FIG. 6 illustrates a magnetic head according to one embodiment of thepresent invention where modules are in a tangent (angled) configuration.

FIG. 7 illustrates a magnetic head according to one embodiment of thepresent invention including modules in an overwrap configuration

FIG. 8 illustrates a magnetic head according to one embodiment of thepresent invention where a substrate of a module is coupled to a closure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating thegeneral principles of the present invention and is not meant to limitthe inventive concepts claimed herein. Further, particular featuresdescribed herein can be used in combination with other describedfeatures in each of the various possible combinations and permutations.

Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be giventheir broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied fromthe specification as well as meanings understood by those skilled in theart and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc.

The following description discloses several preferred embodiments oftape-based storage systems, as well as operation and/or component partsthereof.

In one general embodiment, a tape-based data storage system includes afirst array of writers interleaved with readers. Additionally, a secondarray of writers interleaved with readers is included, the writers ofthe first array being generally aligned with the writers of the secondarray in a direction of media travel relative thereto, the readers ofthe first array being generally aligned with the readers of the secondarray in a direction of media travel relative thereto. Furthermore, athird array of writers interleaved with readers is included, the thirdarray being positioned between the first and second arrays, the writersof the third array being generally aligned with the readers of the firstand second arrays in a direction of media travel relative thereto, thereaders of the third array being generally aligned with the writers ofthe first and second arrays in a direction of media travel relativethereto.

In another general embodiment, a tape-based data storage system includesa first array of piggybacked readers and writers interleaved withreaders. Additionally, a second array of piggybacked readers and writersinterleaved with readers is included, the writers of the first arraybeing generally aligned with the writers of the second array in adirection of media travel relative thereto, the readers of the firstarray being generally aligned with the readers of the second array in adirection of media travel relative thereto. Furthermore, a third arrayof writers is included, the third array being positioned between thefirst and second arrays, the writers of the third array being generallyaligned with some of the readers of the first and second arrays in adirection of media travel relative thereto.

FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified tape drive 100 of a tape-based datastorage system, which may be employed in the context of the presentinvention. While one specific implementation of a tape drive is shown inFIG. 1, it should be noted that the embodiments described herein may beimplemented in the context of any type of tape drive system.

As shown, a tape supply cartridge 120 and a take-up reel 121 areprovided to support a tape 122. One or more of the reels may form partof a removable cassette and are not necessarily part of the system 100.The tape drive, such as that illustrated in FIG. 1, may further includedrive motor(s) to drive the tape supply cartridge 120 and the take-upreel 121 to move the tape 122 over a tape head 126 of any type.

Guides 125 guide the tape 122 across the tape head 126. Such tape head126 is in turn coupled to a controller assembly 128 via a cable 130. Thecontroller 128 typically controls head functions such as servofollowing, writing, reading, etc. The cable 130 may include read/writecircuits to transmit data to the head 126 to be recorded on the tape 122and to receive data read by the head 126 from the tape 122. An actuator132 controls position of the head 126 relative to the tape 122.

An interface may also be provided for communication between the tapedrive and a host (integral or external) to send and receive the data andfor controlling the operation of the tape drive and communicating thestatus of the tape drive to the host, all as will be understood by thoseof skill in the art.

By way of example, FIG. 2 illustrates a flat-lapped bi-directional,two-module magnetic tape head 200 which may be implemented in thecontext of the present invention. As shown, the head includes a pair ofbases 202, each equipped with a module 204, and may be fixed at a smallangle α with respect to each other. The bases are typically “U-beams”that are adhesively coupled together. Each module 204 includes asubstrate 204A and a closure 204B with a gap 206 comprising readersand/or writers situated therebetween. In use, a tape 208 is moved overthe modules 204 along a media (tape) bearing surface 209 in the mannershown for reading and writing data on the tape 208 using the readers andwriters. The wrap angle θ of the tape 208 at edges going onto andexiting the flat media support surfaces 209 are usually between ⅛ degreeand 4.5 degrees.

The substrates 204A are typically constructed of a wear resistantmaterial, such as a ceramic. The closures 204B made of the same orsimilar ceramic as the substrates 204A. The readers and writers may bearranged in a piggyback configuration. The readers and writers may alsobe arranged in an interleaved configuration. Alternatively, each arrayof channels may be readers or writers only. Any of these arrays maycontain one or more servo readers.

FIG. 2B shows a partial tape bearing surface (TBS) view of a typicalmagnetic tape head assembly 210 having a plurality of read/write (R/W)pairs in a piggyback configuration formed on a common substrate 230 andan optional electrically insulative layer 231. The writers, exemplifiedby the write head 212 and the readers, exemplified by the read head 214,are aligned parallel to a direction of travel of a tape mediumthereacross to form a R/W pair, exemplified by the R/W pair 211.

Several R/W pairs 211 may be present, such as 8, 16, 32 pairs, etc. TheR/W pairs 211 as shown are linearly aligned in a direction generallyperpendicular to a direction of tape travel thereacross. However, thepairs may also be aligned diagonally, etc. Servo readers 213 arepositioned on the outside of the array of R/W pairs, the function ofwhich is well known.

Generally, the magnetic tape medium moves in either a forward or reversedirection as indicated by arrow 218. The magnetic tape medium and headassembly 210 operate in a transducing relationship in the mannerwell-known in the art. The piggybacked head assembly 210 includes twothin-film modules 222 and 224 of generally identical construction.

Modules 222 and 224 are joined together with a space present betweenclosures 225 thereof (partially shown) to form a single physical unit toprovide read-while-write capability by activating the writer of theleading module and reader of the trailing module aligned with the writerof the leading module parallel to the direction of tape travel relativethereto. When a module 222, 224 of a piggyback head 210 is constructed,layers are formed in the gap 223 created above an electricallyconductive substrate 230 (partially shown), e.g., of AlTiC, in generallythe following order for the R/W pairs 211: an insulating layer 231, afirst shield 246 typically of an iron alloy such as NiFe (permalloy),CZT or Al—Fe—Si (Sendust), a sensor 240 for sensing a data track on amagnetic medium, a second shield 248 typically of a nickel-iron alloy(e.g., 80/20 Permalloy), first and second writer pole tips 256, 258, anda coil (not shown).

The first and second writer poles 256, 258 may be fabricated from highmagnetic moment materials such as 45/55 NiFe. Note that these materialsare provided by way of example only, and other materials may be used.Additional layers such as insulation between the shields and/or poletips and an insulation layer surrounding the sensor may be present.Illustrative materials for the insulation include alumina and otheroxides, insulative polymers, etc.

It should be noted that the R/W pairs in the present embodiment may bepositioned in close proximity in order to minimize the spacing betweenthe concurrently written tracks for the purpose reducing the hydroscopicand thermal effects of a magnetic tape. In this case, as writers getcloser together signal crossover may begin to emerge.

FIG. 3A is a partial tape bearing surface view of a magnetic head 300,presented as a comparative example, as will soon become apparent. Asshown, a magnetic tape head 300 is provided which includes a first arrayof writers 302, a second array of writers 306, and a first array ofreaders 304 positioned between the first array of writers 302 and thesecond array of writers 306. In use, writers in the first array ofwriters 302 and the second array of writers 306 are positioned closetogether. As the writers get closer and closer in spacing, however,signal crossover between writers may potentially occur.

FIG. 3B is a partial tape bearing surface view of a magnetic tape head310 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, amagnetic head 310 is provided which includes a first array 312 ofwriters 314 interleaved with readers 316. Additionally, a second array318 of writers 320 interleaved with readers 322 is included.

As shown further, the writers 314 of the first array 312 are generallyaligned with the writers 320 of the second array 318 in a direction ofmedia travel 324 relative thereto. Further, the readers 316 of the firstarray 312 are generally aligned with the readers 322 of the second array318 in a direction of media travel 324 relative thereto.

With continued reference to FIG. 3B, a third array 326 of writers 328interleaved with readers 330 is provided. As shown, the third array 326is positioned between the first and second arrays 312 and 318. Thewriters 328 of the third array 326 are generally aligned with thereaders 316 and 322 of the first and second arrays 312 and 318 in adirection of media travel 324 relative thereto. Furthermore, the readers330 of the third array 326 are generally aligned with the writers 314and 320 of the first and second arrays 312 and 318 in a direction ofmedia travel 324 relative thereto.

It should be noted that, the first, second, and third arrays 312, 318,326 may each be separately positioned on an individual module as shownin FIG. 3B. In another embodiment, however, at least two of the arraysmay be adjoined on a common platform and are preferably separatedspatially from each other in the direction of media travel 324 relativethereto. For example, the first, second, and third arrays 312, 318, 326may each be positioned on a single module, e.g., as in a “single bump”head. Additionally, one of the arrays may be placed on one individualmodule and the other two may be placed together on a second module,e.g., in a “two bump” configuration as shown in FIG. 2A or FIG. 8.Further, various arrays may be formed in the same gap between theclosure and substrate.

With continued reference to FIG. 3B, as an option, the first and secondarrays 312 and 318 may lie along a common first media-bearing surface,wherein the third array 326 lies along a second media-bearing surfacespaced from the common media-bearing surface. See, e.g., FIG. 8.

With continued reference to FIG. 3B, as another option, the writers 314,320, 328 in each of the various arrays 312, 318, 326 may be alignedalong a straight line. Such straight line may be oriented perpendicularto the direction of media travel, or at an angle thereto. In avariation, the writers may be staggered, e.g., formed on differentplanes of the module in a “zig-zag” configuration.

FIG. 3C is a partial tape bearing surface view of a magnetic head 350according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, amagnetic head 350 is provided which includes a first array 352 ofpiggybacked readers 354 and writers 356 interleaved with readers 358.Additionally, a second array 360 of piggybacked readers 362 and writers364 interleaved with readers 366 is included.

As also shown, the writers 356 of the first array 352 are generallyaligned with the writers 364 of the second array 360 in a direction ofmedia travel 368 relative thereto. Additionally, the readers 354, 358 ofthe first array 352 are generally aligned with the readers 362, 366 ofthe second array 360 in a direction of media travel 368 relativethereto.

A third array 370 of writers 372 is also present. As shown, the thirdarray 370 is positioned between the first and second arrays 352 and 360.Additionally, the writers 372 of the third array 370 are generallyaligned with some of the readers 358 and 366 of the first and secondarrays 352 and 360 in a direction of media travel 368 relative thereto.

As an option, the third array 370 may further include readers 374interleaved with the writers 372. In this case, the readers 374 of thethird array 370 may be generally aligned with the writers 356 and 364 ofthe first and second arrays 352 and 360 in a direction of media travel368 relative thereto.

It should be noted that, the first, second, and third arrays 352, 360,370 may each be separately positioned on an individual module as shownin FIG. 3C. In another embodiment, however, at least two of the arraysmay be adjoined on a common substrate and are preferably separatedspatially from each other in the direction of media travel 368 relativethereto. For example, the first, second, and third arrays 352, 360, and370 may each be positioned on the same module. Additionally, one of thearrays may be placed on an individual module and the other two may beplaced on the same module. Further, various arrays may be formed in thesame gap between the closure and substrate.

As an option, die first and second arrays 352 and 360 may lie along acommon first media-bearing surface, wherein the third array 370 liesalong a second media-bearing surface spaced from the commonmedia-bearing surface.

As another option, the writers 356, 364, 372 in each of the variousarrays 352, 360, 370 may be aligned along a straight line. Such straightline may be oriented perpendicular to the direction of media travel, orat an angle thereto. In a variation, the writers may be staggered, e.g.,formed on different planes of the module in a “zig-zag” configuration.

FIG. 3D is a partial tape bearing surface view of a magnetic head 380according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. As shown,a magnetic head 380 is provided which includes a first outer array ofwriters 382, and a second outer array of writers 384. Additionally, afirst inner array of writers 386 is included which is positioned betweenthe first and second outer arrays 382 and 384.

Furthermore, a second inner array of writers 388 is provided which ispositioned between the first inner array 386 and the second outer array384. An array of readers 390 may also be provided. As shown, at leastsome of the readers 390 are generally aligned with the writers of thefirst and second outer arrays 382 and 384 in a direction of media travel392 relative thereto. Additionally, the writers of the first inner array386 are misaligned with the writers of the first outer array 382relative to the direction of media travel 392.

As an option, the array of readers 390 may be positioned between thefirst and second inner arrays 386 and 388. Furthermore, at least some ofthe readers 390 may be generally aligned with the writers of the firstand second inner arrays 386 and 388 in a direction of media travel 392relative thereto. Additionally, in one embodiment, the misalignment ofthe writers of the first inner array 386 relative to the writers of thefirst outer array 382 is by about one half a distance between adjacentwriters in the first outer array 382. In other words, the writers in thefirst inner array 386 may be positioned along lines that are aboutmidpoint between the writers of the first outer array 382. In apreferred approach, as shown, the arrays of 382-388 are each alignedalong a straight line extending through the particular array. In theembodiment shown, such imaginary line extends perpendicular to thedirection of media travel. Note that nonlinear configurations are alsocontemplated.

It should be noted that the arrays 382-390 may each be positionedseparately on an individual module as shown in FIG. 3D. In anotherembodiment, however, at least two of the arrays may be on a commonmodule and are preferably separated spatially from each other in thedirection of media travel 392 relative thereto.

In another approach, the first outer and inner arrays 382 and 386 maylie along a common first media-bearing surface, wherein the second outerand inner arrays 384 and 388 may lie along a second common media-bearingsurface spaced from the first common media-bearing surface. For example,FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment where first inner and outer arrays may beformed on a common tape bearing surface e.g., 410, while second innerand outer arrays may be formed on another common tape bearing surface(shown by the modules in shadow). The middle module may include thereaders of FIG. 3D.

As an option, the modules illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D may be fixedrelative to each other. As an additional option, provisions may be madeto compensate for tape skew. Of course, these are optional embodimentsand are not set forth as limitations to the modules illustrated in FIGS.3A-3D.

More illustrative information will now be set forth in FIGS. 4-8regarding various optional architectures and features with which theforegoing framework may or may not be implemented, per the desires ofthe user. It should be strongly noted that the following information isset forth for illustrative purposes and should not be construed aslimiting in any manner. Any of the following features may be optionallyincorporated with or without the inclusion or exclusion of otherfeatures described. Also, in FIGS. 4-8, many of the common andequivalent features are numbered the same throughout the variousdrawings.

FIG. 4 illustrates a magnetic head 400 according to one embodiment ofthe present invention that includes first, second and third modules 402,404, 406 each having a flat or even contoured profile tape bearingsurface 408, 410, 412 respectively. Note that while the term “tapebearing surface” appears to imply that the surface facing the tape 415is in physical contact with the tape bearing surface, this is notnecessarily the case. Rather, it is more typical that a portion of thetape is in contact with the tape bearing surface, constantly orintermittently, and other portions of the tape may ride above the tapebearing surface on a layer of air, sometimes referred to as an “airbearing”.

The first module 402 will be referred to as the “leading” module as itis the first module encountered by the tape in a three module design fortape moving in the indicated direction. The third module 406 will bereferred to as the “trailing” module. The trailing module follows themiddle module and is the last module seen by the tape in a three moduledesign. The leading and trailing modules 402, 406 are referred tocollectively as outer modules. Also, note that the outer modules 402,406 will alternate as leading modules, depending on the direction oftravel of the tape 415.

In this embodiment, the tape bearing surfaces 408, 410, 412 of thefirst, second and third modules 402, 404, 406 may lie on parallel ornearly parallel planes such that the tape bearing surface 410 of thesecond module 404 is above the tape bearing surfaces 408, 412 of thefirst and third modules 402, 406. As described below, this has theeffect of creating the desired wrap angle α₂ of the tape relative to thetape bearing surface 410 of the second module 404.

Where the tape bearing surfaces 408, 410, 412 lie along parallel ornearly parallel, yet offset planes, intuitively, the tape should peeloff of the tape bearing surface 408 of the leading module 402. However,the vacuum created by the skiving edge 418 of the leading module 402 hasbeen found to be sufficient to keep the tape adhered to the tape bearingsurface 408 of the leading module 402. The modules may be slightlyangled to compensate for the peeling effect. The trailing edge 420 ofthe leading module 402 (the end from which the tape leaves the leadingmodule 402) is the approximate reference point which defines the wrapangle α₂ over the tape bearing surface 410 of the second module 404. Incertain instances, the tape stays close to the tape bearing surfaceuntil close to the trailing edge 420 of the leading module 402.Accordingly, read and/or write elements 430 may be located near thetrailing edges of the outer modules 402, 406. Cables 450 are operativelycoupled to the elements 430. These embodiments are particularly adaptedfor write-read-write applications. It should be noted that the tapebearing surface may be curved or have curved portions in someembodiments.

As an option, the outer modules 402, 406 may be fixed at a determinedoffset from the second module 404, such that the inner wrap angle α₂ isfixed when the modules 402, 404, 406 are coupled together or areotherwise fixed into a head. The inner wrap angle α₂ is approximatelytan⁻¹(δ/W) where δ is the height difference between the planes of thetape bearing surfaces 408, 410 and W is the width between the opposingends of the tape bearing surfaces 408, 410. An illustrative inner wrapangle α₂ is in a range of about 0.5° to about 1.1°, though can be anyangle required by the design.

In some cases, the wrap angle α₂ may be slightly more on the side of themodule 404 receiving the tape (leading edge) than the wrap angle α₃ onthe trailing edge, as the tape 415 rides above the trailing module 406.This difference may be beneficial, in some instances, as a smaller α₃tends to oppose what has heretofore been a steeper exiting effectivewrap angle.

Note also that because, in some embodiments, the tape bearing surfaces408, 412 of the outer modules 402, 406 are lower than the tape bearingsurface 410 of the second module 404, a negative wrap angle may beachieved at the trailing edge 420 of the leading module 402. This mayhelp in reducing wear of the trailing edge 420, provided that properconsideration is given to the location of the crowbar region that formsin the tape where it peels off the head. The negative wrap angle alsomay reduce flutter and scrubbing damage to the elements on the leadingmodule 402. Further, at the trailing module 406, the tape 415 may flyover the tape bearing surface 412 so there is virtually no wear on theelements during this motion. Particularly, the tape 415 entrains air andso will not significantly ride on the tape bearing surface 412 of thethird module 406 (some contact may occur). This is permissible, becausethe leading module 402 is writing while the trailing module 406 is idle.

Writing and reading functions are performed by different modules at anygiven time. In one embodiment, the second module 404 includes aplurality of data and optional servo readers 431 and no writers. In thiscase, the first and third modules 402, 406 may include a plurality ofstandard writers 430 and no readers, with the exception that the outermodules 402, 406 may include optional servo readers. The servo readersare used to position the head during writing operations.

Where each module has only data readers or writers, subject toexceptions listed herein, the reader processing may be optimized andyielded independently of the writer processing (on a different module),and conversely. The servo readers may be omitted from the writers,depending on dynamic skew limitations. Alternatively, servo readers mayreflect older technology (AMR) with wider gaps than data readers (GMR).

In some embodiments, the second module 404 has a closure, while thefirst and third modules 402, 406 do not have a closure. Where there isno closure, a hard coating may be added to the module. One coating isdiamond-like carbon (DLC).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the first, second, and third modules402, 404, 406 each have a closure, which extends the tape bearingsurface of the associated module, thereby effectively positioning theread/write elements away from the edge of the tape bearing surface. Theclosure 432 on the second module 404 can be a ceramic closure of a typetypically found on tape heads. The closures 434, 436 of the first andthird modules 402, 406, however, may be shorter than the closure 432 ofthe second module 404 as measured parallel to a direction of tape travelover the respective module. This enables setting the modules closertogether. One way to produce the shorter closures 434, 436 is to lap thestandard ceramic closures of the second module 404 an additional amount.Another way is to plate or deposit thin film closures above the elementsduring thin film processing. For example, a thin film closure of a hardmaterial such as Sendust or nickel-iron alloy (e.g., 45/55) can beformed on the module.

With reduced-thickness ceramic or thin film closures 434, 436 or noclosures on the outer modules 402, 406, the write-to-read gap spacingcan be reduced to less than about 1 mm, e.g., about 0.75 mm, or about50% less than standard LTO tape head spacing. The open space between themodules 402, 404, 406 can still be set to approximately 0.5 mm, which insome embodiments is ideal for stabilizing tape motion over the secondmodule 404.

The outer wrap angles α₁ are typically set in the drive, such as byrollers. For instance, rollers having an offset axis may be used to setthe wrap angles. The offset axis creates an orbital arc of rotation,allowing precise alignment of the wrap angle α₁.

The outer wrap angles can also be set by outriggers. FIG. 5 illustratesan embodiment 500 where outriggers 502 are formed on the outer modules402, 406.

The outriggers 502 control the outer wrap angle α₁ of the tape 41.5relative to the tape bearing surfaces 408 of the leading module 402. Asshown, each outrigger 502 may have a flat tape bearing surface 504 that,like typical flat profile heads, induces a small spacing between a tape415 passing thereover and its tape bearing surface 504. The outrigger502 may lie on a plane which may be approximately parallel to the tapebearing surface of the associated module. In such an embodiment, theoutrigger tape bearing surface 504 is positioned below the plane of thetape bearing surface of the associated element, thereby creating theproper wrap angle α₁ of the tape 415 relative to the tape bearingsurface of the associated module.

With reference to the current embodiment, because the outrigger 502 maybe formed directly on the module, the outer wrap angle α₁ is alwaysprecisely set (just as the inner wrap angles α₂ may be fixed when themodules are coupled together).

While the outrigger 502 may be integrally formed on the associatedmodule, alternatively, the outrigger 502 can be a separate piece mountedto the associated module, mounted in the drive, not directly coupled tothe module but held in position relative thereto by mounting hardware inthe drive, etc. As mentioned above, the outrigger 502 may be fixedlycoupled in relation to the associated module, such that the outer wrapangles α₁ remains fixed regardless of initial outer wrap angle α_(o) ofthe tape approaching the outrigger 502.

By using an outrigger 502, the external wrap angle α_(o) is lesscritical, and so greater tolerances are permitted. Particularly, tapewrap variations at the outer (skiving) edge 506 of the outrigger 502 donot change the internal wrap angle α₁. One example of an external wrapangle α_(o) for the outrigger 502 is 0.6±0.5° or 0.7°±0.5°, but can beas high as 2° or higher. In some cases, only a very slight initial wrapangle α_(o) (e.g., 0.1°) made be present in order to create the desiredtacking down of the tape to the tape bearing surface of the outrigger.Wraps below 0.1 degrees have a higher risk of the tape popping off theoutrigger 502, and wraps above 1.1 degrees may produce undesirablespacing increase.

Depending on tape tension and stiffness, it may be desirable to anglethe tape bearing surfaces of the outer modules relative to the tapebearing surface of the second module. FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment600 where the modules 402, 404, 406 are in a tangent (angled)configuration. Particularly, the tape bearing surfaces of the outermodules 402, 406 are about parallel to the tape at the desired wrapangle α₂ of the second module 404. In other words, the planes of thetape bearing surfaces 408, 412 of the outer modules 402, 406 areoriented at about the desired wrap angle α₂ of the tape 415 relative tothe second module 404. In some cases, the tape may also pop off of thetrailing module 406 in this embodiment, thereby reducing wear on theelements in the trailing module 406. These embodiments are particularlyadapted for write-read-write applications. Additional aspects of theseembodiments are similar to those given above.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment 700 where the modules 402, 404, 406 arein an overwrap configuration. Particularly, the tape bearing surfaces408, 412 of the outer modules 402, 406 are angled slightly more than thetape 415 when set at the desired wrap angle α₂ relative to the secondmodule 404. In this embodiment, the tape does not pop off of thetrailing module, allowing it to be used for writing or reading.Accordingly, the leading and middle modules can both perform readingand/or writing functions while the trailing module can read anyjust-written data.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment 800 where a substrate of a module 802is coupled to the closure 432, thus forming a longer tape bearingsurface. Strictly as an option, such coupling may include gluing thesubstrate of the module 802 to the closure 432. As an option, the module404 and the module 802 may correspond to writers which are positionedsuch that a gap-to-gap spacing is reduced. Additional aspects of theembodiments shown in FIGS. 6-8 are similar to those given above.

Any of the above embodiments or combinations of portions thereof canalso be applied to any type of magnetic heads and magnetic recordingsystems, both known and yet to be invented. For example, the teachingsherein are easily adaptable to interleaved heads, which typicallyinclude opposing modules each having an array of alternating readers andwriters configured to provide read-while-write capability.

Another embodiment allows reading and/or writing to magnetic media suchas magnetic tape in multiple formats. For example, the head can writeand/or read data in both legacy and advanced formats, and in doing soenables full backward compatibility with legacy media types. This may beaccomplished by equipping the head with two arrays of elements (readersand/or writers), each array being associated with a different format.The first and second arrays of elements may be proximate to each otherin a direction transverse to a direction of travel of a magnetic mediumover the head, and so may be formed simultaneously during thin filmbuildup. Depending on the format, which is generally communicated to thedrive by a cartridge memory chip, the proper array is selected (bysoftware, system, user input, etc.) and aligned with a given data bandin a conventional way, e.g., by servoing. In one example, once thesystem determines which format to use, the particular array associatedwith that format is energized and then used to read/write data on thetape.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and notlimitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment shouldnot be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, butshould be defined only in accordance with the following claims and theirequivalents.

1. A magnetic head, comprising: a first array of writers interleavedwith readers; a second array of writers interleaved with readers, thewriters of the first array being generally aligned with the writers ofthe second array in a direction of media travel relative thereto, thereaders of the first array being generally aligned with the readers ofthe second array in a direction of media travel relative thereto; athird array of writers interleaved with readers, the third array beingpositioned between the first and second arrays, the writers of the thirdarray being generally aligned with the readers of the first and secondarrays in a direction of media travel relative thereto, the readers ofthe third array being generally aligned with the writers of the firstand second arrays in a direction of media travel relative thereto,wherein planes extending along tape bearing surfaces of the first andsecond arrays intersect a plane extending across a tape bearing surfaceof the third array.
 2. A head as recited in claim 1, wherein the arraysare each positioned on an individual module.
 3. A head as recited inclaim 2, wherein the individual modules are fixedly coupled together. 4.A head as recited in claim 2, wherein the individual modules are in atangent configuration.
 5. A head as recited in claim 1, wherein at leasttwo of the arrays are on a common substrate and separated spatially fromeach other in a direction of media travel relative thereto.
 6. A head asrecited in claim 1, wherein the writers of the first and second arraysare aligned along a straight line.
 7. A data storage system, comprising:a magnetic head as recited in claim 1; a drive motor for passing amagnetic medium over the magnetic head; and a controller electricallycoupled to the magnetic head.
 8. A magnetic head, comprising: a firstarray of piggybacked readers and writers interleaved with readers; asecond array of piggybacked readers and writers interleaved withreaders, the writers of the first array being generally aligned with thewriters of the second array in a direction of media travel relativethereto, the readers of the first array being generally aligned with thereaders of the second array in a direction of media travel relativethereto; a third array of writers, the third array being positionedbetween the first and second arrays, the writers of the third arraybeing generally aligned with some of the readers of the first and secondarrays in a direction of media travel relative thereto, wherein planesextending along tape bearing surfaces of the first and second arraysintersect a plane extending across a tape bearing surface of the thirdarray.
 9. A head as recited in claim 8, wherein the third array furthercomprises readers interleaved with the writers, the readers of the thirdarray being generally aligned with the writers of the first and secondarrays in a direction of media travel relative thereto.
 10. A head asrecited in claim 8, wherein the arrays are each positioned on anindividual module.
 11. A head as recited in claim 10, wherein theindividual modules are fixedly coupled together.
 12. A head as recitedin claim 10, wherein the individual modules are in a tangentconfiguration.
 13. A head as recited in claim 8, wherein at least two ofthe arrays are on a common substrate and separated spatially from eachother in a direction of media travel relative thereto.
 14. A head asrecited in claim 8, wherein the writers of the first and second arraysare aligned along a straight line.
 15. A data storage system,comprising: a magnetic head as recited in claim 8; a drive motor forpassing a magnetic medium over the magnetic head; and a controllerelectrically coupled to the magnetic head.
 16. A magnetic head,comprising: a first array of writers interleaved with readers; a secondarray of writers interleaved with readers, the writers of the firstarray being generally aligned with the writers of the second array in adirection of media travel relative thereto, the readers of the firstarray being generally aligned with the readers of the second array in adirection of media travel relative thereto; a third array of writersinterleaved with readers, the third array being positioned between thefirst and second arrays, the writers of the third array being generallyaligned with the readers of the first and second arrays in a directionof media travel relative thereto, the readers of the third array beinggenerally aligned with the writers of the first and second arrays in adirection of media travel relative thereto, wherein the first and secondarrays lie along a common first media-bearing surface, wherein the thirdarray lies along a second media-bearing surface spaced from the commonmedia-bearing surface.
 17. A data storage system, comprising: a magnetichead as recited in claim 16; a drive motor for passing a magnetic mediumover the magnetic head; and a controller electrically coupled to themagnetic head.
 18. A magnetic head, comprising: a first array ofpiggybacked readers and writers interleaved with readers; a second arrayof piggybacked readers and writers interleaved with readers, the writersof the first array being generally aligned with the writers of thesecond array in a direction of media travel relative thereto, thereaders of the first array being generally aligned with the readers ofthe second array in a direction of media travel relative thereto; athird array of writers, the third array being positioned between thefirst and second arrays, the writers of the third array being generallyaligned with some of the readers of the first and second arrays in adirection of media travel relative thereto, wherein the first and secondarrays lie along a common first media-bearing surface, wherein the thirdarray lies along a second media-bearing surface spaced from the commonmedia-bearing surface.
 19. A data storage system, comprising: a magnetichead as recited in claim 18; a drive motor for passing a magnetic mediumover the magnetic head; and a controller electrically coupled to themagnetic head.